• Bring learning to life with tools that simplify teaching and ignite curiosity.

News

2019 “TEENDRIVE365” FINALISTS ANNOUNCED IN NATIONAL PSA CHALLENGE

TD365 Press Release 768x443

Public Can Vote Online to Select “People’s Choice” Winner through April 23

Silver Spring, Md. (April 9, 2019) – More than a thousand videos created by teens to inspire their peers to drive more safely and avoid risky behavior were submitted in the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge by Toyota and Discovery Education. Now down to the Top 10, it’s time for the public to watch and vote for their favorite video at teendrive365inschool.com/vote through April 23, 2019.

In addition to the People’s Choice winner, several other prize winners will be chosen by a panel of judges comprised of community leaders, educators, communications experts and Toyota representatives.

“Toyota and Discovery Education have partnered for a decade to bring critical safety information to students in communities across the country, helping to ensure that drivers and passengers understand safe driving practices at every phase of life,” said Al Smith, group vice president, Toyota Social Innovation. “We thank all of the students from across the country who joined in spreading the message of safe driving in a unique and impactful way, and we encourage the public to vote on their favorite choice.”

This year’s finalists come from Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

The full list of TeenDrive365 Video Challenge prizes, include:

  • Grand Prize: $15,000 and the chance to work with a Discovery Education film crew to reshoot the winning video as a TV-ready PSA
  • Second place prize: $10,000
  • Third place prize: $7,500
  • Fourth to tenth place prizes: Each receives $2,500
  • Four regional prizes: Each receives $1,000
  • People’s Choice prize: $5,000

“Sparking a national conversation about driver safety in schools, the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge has empowered students to use their creativity and ingenuity to inspire others to make responsible choices behind the wheel,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education.

Last year’s grand prize went to Kirklin “Mack” Hopkins and Kellen Stadler of Charlotte, N.C. Their video It’s Not Fine delivered a direct and powerful narrative that highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the ability of teens to encourage safe driving behavior. The re-created PSA can be viewed here.

“The ‘TeenDrive365 initiative’ offers educators and families digitally immersive resources such as activities, interactives, quizzes, videos, and virtual field trips to help begin a discussion about safety with young drivers,” said Rita Mortenson, educational technology coach, Verona Area School District, Verona, Wisc. “These resources allow schools to positively impact their communities and peers by accepting the challenge to educate and empower others about driver safety.”

Toyota TeenDrive365 resources are available at no-cost and within Discovery Education Streaming Plus, which empowers educators to create dynamic learning environments that mirror students’ use of technology outside the classroom. Visit TeenDrive365.com to learn more about the annual Video Challenge to help promote safe teen driving. For more information about the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge or to watch winning videos from the 2017-2018 challenge, click here.

###

About TeenDrive365:

TeenDrive365 is a comprehensive program designed by Toyota and Discovery Education to help teens avoid distractions and stay safe behind the wheel. The initiative offers a range of content, tools and resources designed specifically for educators and teens. The program aims to help guide teens through those critical first years behind the wheel, as well as a develop a lifetime of safe driving habits.

About Discovery Education:

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms and primary schools in the U.K., and reach over 5 million educators and 51 million students in more than 90 countries. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at discoveryeducation.com. Stay connected with Discovery Education through social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @DiscoveryEd.

Contact:

Discovery Education
Charmion N. Kinder
CKinder@Discoveryed.com
(240) 274-2173 phone